Armor of Godਨਮੂਨਾ

The Shoes and the Shield

Having a short-sleeved shirt on a cold day is one thing. Forgetting a rain jacket when it’s pouring isn't fun. But I think one of the most uncomfortable things is when shoes don’t fit. Your toes are too tight. The heel slips in the back. You get blisters. Wearing shoes that don't fit is never fun, whether they are too small, big, wide, or narrow.

Yesterday, we learned about our armor's foundational items—the Breastplate of Righteousness and the Belt of Truth. Next, Paul gives us shoes. He describes these shoes as “fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” Something about the shoes fits perfectly. Why?
Because it’s God’s gospel.
And it’s ready.
And it has the answers.

These shoes are how we prepare to respond to the enemy’s attacks. Peter tells us in his short letter, “Always be ready to give an answer.” That’s what comes with finding the right gospel shoes. We are ready for what we are about to face. We are prepared to stand firm against the enemy. But that only comes when we know who God is, His power, and His promises. Not every shoe was fit for battle. But Paul says the ones based on God’s story are ready.

Every soldier needs a shield. The Shield of Faith is interesting. Many see a shield and think, “Yeah, it’s used to block the swords.” But that wasn’t the purpose of the shield that Paul had in mind. During that time, shields were made of wood to stop arrows. However, the enemy then was crafty, too. They began using flaming arrows. So, the shield would block the arrow, but the flames would engulf the shield. Suddenly, you have a burning piece of armor on your arm. Paul says that when we have the Shield of Faith, it “extinguishes” the enemy's attacks. This faith not only STOPS the attack but also puts out the attack entirely.

When we stand firm in our faith, we don’t have to worry about the lingering pieces of the attack. We don’t have to worry about the flame. God put it out already. God is covering us so we can stand in confidence.

Question to Ponder:

How does the “gospel of peace” fit in your life right now, and how does it prepare you to stand firm against the challenges or doubts you face?